Yard-Sticking

Posted on August 10, 2018 by Shirlee Abbott

 

What’s yard-sticking? 

It’s when I compare myself to others. Mostly, I think I fall on the short end of the measuring stick. 

 

The only yardstick that counts belongs to God, and he measures me with grace. 

 

 

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Self-Esteem and Skills

Posted on August 9, 2018 by Shirlee Abbott

 

“Self-esteem without skills
is a hollow accomplishment.”
(from There Are No Shortcuts by Rafe Esquith)

 

Do you agree?

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Social Media and Lies

Posted on August 8, 2018 by Shirlee Abbott

People post their best photos and happiest moments on social media. Their lives look perfect. And when yours doesn’t, the enemy whispers, “You’re no good. What a loser.”

Remember what Jesus said about the enemy.

 

John 8:44 (NIV)
There is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.

 

So who are you gonna believe? Father God, or the father of lies?

P.S. You are not a loser.

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What Do You Think of Yourself?

Posted on August 7, 2018 by Shirlee Abbott

Romans 12:3 (NIV)
Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.

 

“Remember that you are absolutely unique.
Just like everyone else.”
(sometimes attributed to Margaret Mead)

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Self-Esteem: No Contest

Posted on August 5, 2018 by Shirlee Abbott

 

 

How’s your self-esteem?

 

  • Off the charts
  • Comes and goes
  • Rock bottom

What does the Bible say?

We are God’s workmanship (Ephesians 2:10). Can’t get better than that.

We’re reminded not to think too highly of ourselves (Romans 12:3). We all sin and fall short of the glory (Romans 3:23). That’s humbling.

A final word from God’s Word:

Galatians 3:28 (NIV)
You are all one in Christ Jesus.

Self-esteem isn’t a contest. You aren’t better because someone else is worse. We’re all better in Christ.

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Shelter from Heat, Ash and Flames

Posted on August 3, 2018 by Shirlee Abbott

“Ashley Myers and her family . . . ate a breakfast of biscuits and gravy from paper plates outside the CrossPointe Community Church. The family had been at the church, now a shelter, for three days, after evacuating their home in Redding’s Westwood neighborhood . . . ‘All that matters is we’re alive.'”

From The Bulletin, Central Oregon (read the whole story here)

As wildfires rage in many places, let us pray for those seeking shelter and those providing it.

Lord God, protect those who fight the fires, those who flee the fires and those who step up to supply food, shelter, supplies and comfort. May your people, Lord, be your hands, the cup of cold water offered in your name.

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Walking the Wrong Way

Posted on August 3, 2018 by Shirlee Abbott

Isaiah 30:21 (NASB)
Your ears will hear a word behind you,
“This is the way, walk in it.”

Sometimes, Lord God, I pretend I don’t hear, because I don’t want to go there. Forgive my stubborn selfishness.

You stick with me when I walk the wrong way. You could abandon me in my rebellion. But you walk beside me, no matter what, no matter where.

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Simply Step Out

Posted on August 2, 2018 by Shirlee Abbott
“Do not ask the Lord to guide your footsteps,
if you are not willing to move your feet.”
Anonymous
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Beautiful Toes

Posted on August 1, 2018 by Shirlee Abbott

 

I think my toes are ugly.

God’s got a beauty program for my feet:

 

Isaiah 52:7 (NIV)
How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!”

Apparently, my feet are a reflection of my words.

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Where Are You?

Posted on July 31, 2018 by Shirlee Abbott

 

Luke 10:39 (ERV)
Mary was sitting at Jesus’ feet and listening to him teach.

 

At his feet. Not beside him at the dinner table. Not on the other side of the desk. Not across the room in a comfy chair. 

Settle in, pipe down and listen up. There’s plenty of room for you at Jesus’ feet. 

 

 

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